Just over a month after a fire devastated Kimi Island, the Friends of TASAAGA family raised over $6,000 and 3 volunteers flew themselves to Uganda with a bag full of tools to help Bruhan and his team rebuild the clinic. The new structure is reenforced with aluminum siding to reduce the risk of it catching fire again and has solar panels to ensure cheaper and more consistent energy for the medical team that works there. The clinic houses a pharmacy, and exam, antenatal, and delivery rooms. We want to extend a massive thank you to all of our donors; the volunteers who donated their time, money, and tools (which they left with Bruhan); and most importantly, to Bruhan and the construction team who have been working tirelessly since October to support Kimi residents.

Friends of TASAAGA is excited to announce that it will be supporting the establishment of TASAAGA's newest program: the East Africa Secondary and Vocational School in Sitabaale.

Despite a 100% primary school graduation rate at TASAAGA's School for Orphans and Vulnerable Children, many of the students cannot afford to attend secondary school, which costs between $300 and $450 per year. As a result, Bruhan watched as many of his students struggled to find a job. In response, he established vocational training for tailoring, hair dressing, and carpentry. The students will pay a small fee to take part in the program while additional funding will come from Friends of TASAAGA.

We're excited to follow Bruhan as he launches this program and will report back on its progress through this inaugural year!

Kimi Island is part of Uganda's Ssese Islands in Lake Victoria. On October 14th, almost every structure on the island was destroyed in a fire. The fishing community that lives on the island lost, quite literally, everything. The people of this community do not have the luxury of insurance and have little backing by large national foundations or the government. Many of them are unbanked and lost every penny without any way of getting it back. Numerous people lost their lives and nearly everyone lost their livelihood.

Just over a month ago, TASAAGA renovated its health clinic on Kimi Island, which was the main provider of health care for the Kimi community and many surrounding islands. The clinic was also destroyed in the fire.

Friends of TASAAGA has launched this emergency campaign to help the community get back on its feet and contribute to the rebuilding of the island's clinic. Please consider a donation of any amount -- even a small donation will go a long way to help.